The soap world is mourning the loss of John Ingle, who for nearly 20 years has been known as the patriarch of General Hospital's Quartermaine family. Ingle was 84.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Soap Central Live will air a special tribute to John Ingle on Friday, September 21 at 6p ET/3pm PT. Fans are strongly encouraged to call in and share their favorite John Ingle or Edward Quartermaine memories. Click here for more information.

John Ingle (Edward Quartermaine), known to millions of soap fans as the irascible Edward Quartermaine, passed away on September 16 following a courageous battle with cancer. Ingle was surrounded by his family in California. He was 84.

"John Ingle achieved great joy from playing the role of Edward Quartermaine," said executive producer Frank Valentini. "In our brief time working together, I have enjoyed getting to know a great man who embraced life, cherished what he did and, most of all, loved his family. He is already truly missed by the General Hospital family."

Ingle last taped General Hospital this year, on August 24, and his final appearance aired September 11, fulfilling a wish to play Edward one last time. In those final scenes, with a simple "I love you, too," a thumbs-up, and a smile, viewers said goodbye to Ingle's indelible depiction of Edward Quartermaine.

"Very sad to share the news that John Ingle, known to most as Edward Quartemaine on #GH, has passed away. Rest in peace, Mr. Ingle," General Hospital's head writer, Ron Carlivati, wrote on Twitter.

During a break from General Hospital from 2004 to 2006, Ingle took on the role of Mickey Horton on Days of our Lives.

John Ingle was born May 7, 1928, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His family moved throughout the Midwest before settling in Tujunga, California, where he finished high school. His thespian pursuits had begun years earlier in elementary school and followed him until he attended Occidental College to study theater and journalism. He received his theater degree in 1950 and got his teaching credentials the next year.

In 1951, John met Grace-Lynne Martin, an accomplished singer/actress. The couple married in 1954. Grace-Lynn passed away earlier this year. The Ingles are survived by five daughters, nine grandchildren, and three great-children.

In a statement on Facebook, Ingle's family posted, "Father, Husband, Grandan, Great Grandan, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Teacher, Inspirer, Mentor: May You Soar with the Angels. You will forever hold a special place in the deepest corners of our hearts. You were joy, light and love. Goodness at its very best. For the rest of our days, we will all do our best to continue to make you proud. Rest in peace and continue to spread your generous spirit in the heavens above."